Voluntary Leadership in a Professional Association: Insights from the TACUSPA Board

This phenomenological study documented lived experiences of seven volunteer board leaders of a Texas professional association for higher education administrators. Findings included three key themes: Board Responsibilities, which detailed tasks performed by the participants; Board Experiences, which focused on relationships and time commitment; and Outcomes of Board Service, which identified valuable personal relationships, professional support, and development opportunities. Participants emphasized relationships as their primary benefit and the time commitment required for board service as their primary challenge. Recommendations for practice include using technology to reduce workloads, offering comprehensive onboarding for new members, and emphasizing relationship building as part of the board activities.